On June 12, 1990, after a 17-year hiatus, the Newport News City Council re-established the Newport News Wetlands Board for the purpose of preserving the tidal wetlands, preventing wetlands destruction, accommodating necessary development in a manner consistent with the wetlands preservation and administering the policies and laws which apply to the City's tidal wetlands, as provided in Chapter 13, Section 28.2 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, and City Ordinance No. 4428-93. The seven member board is appointed by City Council and meets monthly in City Council Chambers, as necessary, on the third Monday of each month. When the third Monday of the month is a holiday, the Board meets on the second Monday.

Any person who desires to use or develop tidal wetland within the City of Newport News must first file a joint Permit Application for a permit with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), who then submits a copy with each regulatory body that must approve such a development, including the Newport News Wetlands Board.  A non-refundable $200 permit application fee and permission to advertise the project as required by law must accompany the application.

For further information contact the Wetlands Board Executive Secretary at (757) 926-8611.